Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of Utkal Divas, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik emphasized the importance of preserving Odia identity and pride during the state-level celebrations.
Recognizing the historical significance of the day in 1936 when Odisha became India’s first language-based state, he highlighted the tireless efforts and sacrifices of visionaries like Utkal Gourav Madhusudan Das, Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu, Parla Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayana Dev, Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanj Deo, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Pandit Godabarish Mishra and Maharaja Harihara Mardaraj and others whose contributions led to the formation of Odisha.
Patnaik paid homage to these eminent figures and acknowledged the pivotal role they played in shaping the state’s destiny. He also noted the elevation of the Odia language to classical status and the flourishing of Odisha’s art and culture globally, thanks to the contributions of Odias residing abroad.
Moreover, the Chief Minister emphasized Odisha’s legacy of promoting peace, love, and goodwill worldwide, urging everyone to unite in safeguarding the integrity and dignity of the state.
The programme was attended by Information & Public Relations Minister Pradip Kumar Amat, Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena, Commissioner-Cum-Secretary of Odia Language, Literature and Culture Department Sujata Rout Karthikeyan, Principal Secretary of I&PR Department Sanjay Kumar Singh and other senior officials.
